Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114)
The Aged Dependent Relative visas are permanent family visas for a single older person who depends on a relative in Australia for financial support. Subclass 114 is the offshore pathway, while subclass 838 is for applicants in Australia.
Both involve specific dependency, age, sponsorship and other requirements, making careful consideration of the applicant’s circumstances and supporting evidence important before proceeding.
Personalised Migration Support
Why Choose Us for Aged Dependent Relative Visas (Subclass 114 & 838)
Visa Route Migration is led by Registered Migration Agent Rose Khangura. Her confirmed background includes two years of migration and visa-services experience, practical experience with visa files and documentation, and a Graduate Diploma in Migration Law & Practice from Victoria University. This professional background can be particularly useful where a family needs help understanding detailed visa requirements and organising an application carefully.
The practice takes a personalised approach to migration matters rather than treating applications as identical cases. Individual circumstances are considered carefully, with an emphasis on clear communication, practical explanations, transparency and realistic discussion of both opportunities and limitations.
Professional assistance can be agreed according to the help a client actually needs. Depending on the circumstances and engagement, this may range from professional assessment or document and application review to broader application assistance. The scope is established for the individual matter rather than assuming every client requires the same level of support.
Visa Route Migration can assist people throughout Australia as well as overseas clients who need help with Australian migration matters. This is particularly relevant to families considering subclass 114, where the applicant must be outside Australia, while subclass 838 applicants are in Australia. Remote consultation options are also available.
[Sub-Services Overview]
Application Pathways
The two subclasses address the same underlying family situation but differ according to the applicant’s location. Understanding this distinction is important because the relevant subclass determines where the applicant must be when applying and when the Department makes its decision.
Offshore Pathway
Onshore Pathway
Subclass 114 Offshore Pathway
Subclass 114 is the offshore Aged Dependent Relative pathway. It is a permanent visa for a single older person who relies on a relative living in Australia for financial support. The applicant and other applicants must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and when Home Affairs decides it. An eligible relative or the relative’s partner must sponsor the applicant.
Important eligibility considerations include being old enough to receive the Australian age pension, having no partner, and demonstrating at least three years of dependency on the relative in Australia for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing. An Assurance of Support is also required, together with applicable health, character and other visa criteria.
Depending on the agreed professional scope, Visa Route Migration may assist with assessment, documentation, application preparation, review and broader application assistance. For an offshore applicant, remote communication can also allow the applicant and family members in Australia to obtain assistance with an Australian migration matter without needing to be in the same location.
I was unsure whether the Aged Dependent Relative pathway applied to my family, particularly how the offshore and onshore subclasses differed. Visa Route Migration helped me understand which location rules were relevant and what needed closer assessment before we made any decisions. I appreciated having the requirements explained clearly without being given unrealistic expectations about eligibility or the outcome. That clarity helped me understand what information we needed to gather next.
Aged Relative Visa Pathway
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️As the relative in Australia, I needed to understand my role as sponsor and what evidence could be relevant to our family relationship and ongoing financial support. The discussion helped me separate the sponsorship requirements from the applicant’s own visa requirements. It was useful to work through the areas requiring evidence rather than simply receiving a generic checklist. I came away with a clearer idea of the documents we should organise and the questions we still needed to address.
Sponsor Evidence Requirements
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Our main concern was demonstrating the history of financial dependency. We had years of support between family members, but the records were spread across different accounts and documents. Visa Route Migration helped us understand why the history of support mattered and what kinds of records could be relevant. The guidance made it easier to organise the material logically and identify areas that needed further attention before we progressed with the application.
Financial Dependency Evidence
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I knew family migration could take time, but I had not understood how capping and queueing affected Aged Dependent Relative visas. Having that explained early was important because it changed the way our family viewed the application and our expectations. The information was practical and realistic rather than overly optimistic. I appreciated being able to discuss both the visa requirements and the long-term nature of the process before deciding what professional assistance we wanted.
Visa Capping and Queueing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The paper-based application process felt less straightforward than an online visa application, especially with forms, supporting documents and sponsor information to coordinate. I wanted professional input on how the different parts fitted together before anything was lodged. Visa Route Migration helped me understand the application requirements and where further information was needed. It was useful to consider the documentation as one complete case rather than treating each form or supporting document separately.
Paper-Based Visa Application
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I first contacted Visa Route Migration because I wanted to understand whether this visa was worth exploring for my circumstances. The initial discussion helped clarify the general issues, and I understood that a detailed eligibility assessment required formal professional engagement. I valued that distinction because it made the scope of the free consultation clear. When I decided to proceed, I understood why my circumstances needed closer assessment before relying on general visa information.
Visa Eligibility Assessment
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I had already prepared much of my Aged Dependent Relative visa material and did not necessarily need full assistance from the beginning. I wanted professional input on particular parts of the application and the supporting documents. Visa Route Migration discussed a scope that matched the type of help I was looking for. This allowed me to focus professional assistance on the areas where I wanted further review rather than assuming every application had to be handled in exactly the same way.
Targeted Visa Assistance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Because the applicant was overseas, I was concerned that migration assistance would be difficult to coordinate with family in Australia. Being able to discuss an Australian visa matter remotely made things more manageable for us. We could focus on the applicant’s circumstances, the relevant questions and the documents being prepared without everyone needing to be in the same place. The communication also helped us distinguish general information from matters requiring individual professional assessment.
Remote Migration Assistance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Aged Dependent Relative Visa FAQs
What is an Aged Dependent Relative visa?
Subclasses 114 and 838 are permanent visas intended for a single older person who relies on a relative living in Australia for financial support. Subclass 114 allows an eligible person outside Australia to move permanently to Australia, while subclass 838 is the corresponding pathway for an eligible person already in Australia.
What is the difference between 114 and 838?
The main distinction is the applicant’s location. For subclass 114, the applicant must be outside Australia when applying and when the application is decided. For subclass 838, the applicant must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, at both of those stages. Other individual requirements also need to be considered before choosing a pathway.
Who may be eligible for this visa?
Home Affairs requires an applicant to be old enough to receive the Australian age pension, have no partner and meet the relevant dependency and sponsorship requirements. Applicants must also satisfy other applicable criteria, including assurance of support, health and character requirements. General website information cannot determine whether an individual applicant meets every requirement.
What does financially dependent mean?
Home Affairs states that an applicant must have been dependent on their relative in Australia for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing for at least three years before applying. The Department gives examples of supporting evidence including bank statements, money transfers and rent receipts. The evidence needed in an individual case will depend on the circumstances.
Who can sponsor an aged dependent relative?
The applicant must be sponsored by an eligible relative or that relative’s partner. Home Affairs sponsorship information states that the sponsor must generally be at least 18, settled in Australia, and an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsorship itself must also be approved.
Is an Assurance of Support required?
Yes. Home Affairs lists an Assurance of Support as a requirement for Aged Dependent Relative visas. It is a formal commitment intended to address the risk of the visa holder relying on certain government assistance after migration. The Department advises applicants when the Assurance of Support needs to be provided.
How long can the visa process take?
Aged Dependent Relative visas are subject to capping and queueing because demand exceeds the number of available places. Home Affairs currently estimates a 22-year processing timeframe for new Aged Dependent Relative and Remaining Relative applications. This is an estimate rather than an individual guarantee, and processing arrangements can change.
Is the application lodged online?
Home Affairs currently requires Other Family visa applications, including Aged Dependent Relative visas, to be made using paper application forms. Applicants should follow the current Department instructions carefully because incomplete or invalid applications can create significant problems. Application procedures should always be checked against current official requirements before lodgement.
What documents may be required?
Relevant evidence can include identity documents, proof of the relationship between the applicant and sponsor, evidence of the sponsor’s status in Australia, and records demonstrating the applicant’s dependency. Home Affairs may also require health, character and other supporting information. The documents appropriate to a particular application depend on the applicant’s circumstances.
Can I apply if I have a partner?
Home Affairs states that an applicant for an Aged Dependent Relative visa must have no partner. Because relationship circumstances can have a direct effect on visa eligibility, anyone unsure how their circumstances are treated should obtain an individual assessment rather than assuming the requirement has been met.
Can dependent children be included?
Home Affairs permits members of the family unit to be included where the relevant requirements are met. For these visas, the Department identifies dependent children and stepchildren as the family members who may be included. Additional eligibility, health, character and dependency requirements can apply depending on their circumstances and age.
Can Visa Route Migration assess my eligibility?
A free initial consultation can be used to discuss your circumstances, the general nature of your enquiry and possible next steps. A detailed eligibility or visa-options assessment normally requires a formal professional engagement. This distinction allows the initial discussion to remain useful without presenting general information as a complete professional assessment.
Can I get help with only part of an application?
Yes, depending on the matter and agreed professional scope. Visa Route Migration can provide limited-scope assistance as well as broader visa application support. Confirmed options can include professional advice, document or application review, assistance with a particular application stage, or broader application assistance where agreed.
Phone Number
0450 337 213
Business Location
4 Handsome Ave, Clyde North VIC 3978, Australia
E-Mail ID
[email protected]Discuss Your Visa Pathway
If you or a family member are considering an Aged Dependent Relative visa, complete the enquiry form to arrange a free initial consultation with Visa Route Migration. The initial discussion can help clarify your circumstances, the nature of the migration enquiry and possible next steps. Where detailed eligibility advice or a full assessment is required, the appropriate professional engagement can then be discussed.
Subclass 838 Onshore Pathway
Subclass 838 addresses the same underlying aged-dependent-relative situation for an applicant who is already in Australia. Home Affairs requires the applicant to be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when the application is made and when it is decided. It is a permanent visa intended for a single older person who relies financially on an eligible relative living in Australia.
The onshore location of the applicant does not remove the need to consider the other requirements carefully. Sponsorship, age, dependency, absence of a partner, Assurance of Support, health and character requirements can all be relevant. Aged Dependent Relative applications are also subject to capping and queueing, so applicants should understand the potentially lengthy nature of the pathway before making decisions based on expected timing.
Where professional assistance is appropriate, the scope can be established according to the applicant’s needs and circumstances. This may involve focused review of particular documents or application stages, or broader application assistance where agreed, while keeping advice specific to the individual case rather than relying solely on general visa information.
Which Aged Dependent Relative Pathway?
| Decision Point | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Outside Australia | Subclass 114 is the offshore pathway. |
| In Australia | Subclass 838 is the onshore pathway. |
| Decision location | The applicant must remain in the subclass-required location. |
| Family situation | Single older relative financially dependent on family in Australia. |
| Sponsorship | An eligible relative or their partner must sponsor. |
| Other requirements | Age, dependency, Assurance of Support, health and character require assessment. |
| Processing context | These visas are subject to capping and queueing. |
Practical Subclass 114 Steps That Are Easy to Miss
These application details sit alongside the eligibility rules and can affect how you prepare, lodge and manage an Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114) application.
The Application Starts on Paper
Subclass 114 must currently be lodged as a paper application using Form 47OF, while the sponsor completes Form 40. The application is sent by post or courier using the current Home Affairs instructions rather than submitted in person.
Payment Happens Before You Send It
The first visa application charge is currently paid before the paper application is submitted. Payment is made through the Home Affairs online payment facility, and evidence of payment needs to accompany the application.
A Paper Application Can Later Use ImmiAccount
After Home Affairs acknowledges the paper application, it can be imported into ImmiAccount. This can make it easier to provide further documents, view messages, update details and manage the application online after lodgement.
Some Requirements Should Wait
Do not assume every supporting step needs to be completed before lodgement. Home Affairs advises applicants when police certificates, health examinations and the required Assurance of Support need to be provided.
Prepare Overseas Documents Carefully
Documents that are not in English need an English translation. Home Affairs also has specific requirements for certified copies and original police certificates, so check the current document instructions before assembling the paper application.
Make the Queue Part of Your Decision
Aged Dependent Relative visas are subject to capping and queueing. Home Affairs currently estimates about 22 years for new Aged Dependent Relative and Remaining Relative applications. This can change and is not an individual processing guarantee, so long-term timing should be considered before relying on a quick outcome.
Before Your Initial Discussion
What to Have Ready When Enquiring About Subclass 114
A useful first discussion starts with a clear picture of the applicant’s circumstances and the help your family is seeking. Having the following information in mind can make it easier to identify what may need closer assessment and what the possible next steps are.
Information Worth Having Ready
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Where the applicant is now
Be ready to explain the applicant’s current location. This is particularly important for Subclass 114 because it is the offshore Aged Dependent Relative pathway.
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The relationship to the proposed sponsor
Explain how the applicant is related to the family member in Australia and who is expected to act as the proposed sponsor.
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The history of financial support
Be prepared to describe how the applicant has depended on the relative for financial support and what records of that support are already available.
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Relevant circumstances and immigration history
Have a clear outline of the applicant’s current circumstances and any immigration history that may be relevant to the enquiry.
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Your goals, concerns and the help you need
Explain what your family is trying to achieve, what you are uncertain about and whether you are seeking help with a particular part of the matter or potentially broader visa assistance.